Catherine O’Hara

The Canadian-American actress has starred in numerous films on her own and with Christopher Guest’s troupe. Appearing this fall in the comedy A.C.O.D., she admits she considers Kim Kardashian her top “fictional” heroine.

What is your idea of perfect happiness? I think happiness is the absence of all things negative.

What is your greatest fear? That the Internet and every device that gets you there are designed to distract you while eradicating what was once known as privacy. Do we really need to know where you went, who you were with, what you ate, who said what, how much you drank, and where you woke up? I guess the upside might be: no more call for jury duty.

Which living person do you most admire? I admire anyone who uses their gifts wisely and seems grateful for the opportunity.

What is the trait you most deplore in yourself? My gift for wasting precious time.

What is the trait you most deplore in others? Selfishness, especially masquerading as altruism.

What is your greatest extravagance? My cottage, in Ontario, Canada.

What is your favorite journey? I just love hearing about the “journeys” award-show winners mention in their thank-you speeches. Don’t you?

What do you consider the most overrated virtue? Temperance.

On what occasion do you lie? I lie when I don’t want to look stupid.

What do you dislike most about your appearance? My appearance thinks I’m a lot older than I am.

Which living person do you most despise? Anyone who condemns another human being. And the a-hole who stole my Autoharp.

Whichwords or phrases do you most overuse? “Sorry.” But I’m a Canadian Catholic woman, so I’m hardwired to apologize.

What is your greatest regret? Testing out the sunlamp my big brother found in the garbage.

What or who is the greatest love of your life? My family.

Which talent would you most like to have? It would be cool to know how to fix anything.

What is your current state of mind? Bliss. I’m at my cottage.

If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be? My procrastinati. . . . sorry, wait a minute. . . .

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be? I’ve got to believe God is into recycling. I’d like to come back in the body of a much more evolved person who has lovely, thick hair and skin that tans.

Where would you like to live? Wherever I am.

What is your favorite occupation? Writing and acting. Improvisation lets you do both.

What is the quality you most like in a man? All the classic “manly” qualities, but with an enlightened respect for women and children.

What is the quality you most like in a woman? A sense of humor, especially about themselves.

What do you most value in your friends? They’re wonderful people who seem to like me!